Wednesday, September 12, 2012

TRAVEL SPECIAL...Globetrotting all by yourself



The world according to: I, ME, MYSELF 

An almost spiritual experience, solo travel comes with minimum hassles, allows you to absorb local culture, helps form unfiltered view points and enjoy a destination at your own pace and on your own terms... 

    Globetrotting all by yourself can be a liberating experience. Though you can visit any country you wish to, there are certain nations that are statistically considered to be safer than others. Obviously, if you are travelling solo and are in no mood for any misadventure, start by ticking off destinations from the Global Peace Index (listed alongside), which ranks countries on various factors like the level of safety and security and level of respect for human rights. The GPI 2012, which ranks 158 countries, suggests that the world today is more peaceful as compared to what it was in 2009. Iceland, Japan and most of the Scandinavian countries are on the list of most peaceful countries, courtesy their low crime rate. These destinations are highly preferred by solo women travellers. Sudan, Afghanistan and Somalia are among the bottom three — Travel here at your own risk!
SWEDEN
    
A melting pot of culture, you can pick which city to visit in Sweden depending on your area of interest. Nature and history lovers can check out Goteborg, which is relatively unexplored by regular tourists so you can escape the crowds. Uppsala, on the other hand is a happening nightlife destination. Spa lovers can unwind at world-class spas in the magical landscape of Gotland.
CAMBODIA
    
Cambodia’s culture and heritage are this country’s USP. Chat up with friendly locals and take pictures with traditional dancers. You can also visit the Kirirom National Park, sign up for an eco-tourism tour in Rattanakiri, enjoy sumptuous seafood at Kampot or spend lazy afternoons on the beaches of Sihanoukville. Do it all!
CHINA
Photography enthusiasts will be delighted to see the sights China has, waiting to be captured with your lens. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven are some of the photography destinations in China. They also give an insight into the history of China’s capital, Beijing. If you are pressed for time, Beijing, Shanghai and Xian encompass diverse aspects of the country.
COSTA RICA
    
It has pristine beaches to keep you awestruck. The rainforests surrounding Monteverde, the ‘Resort town’ of Jaco and colonial architecture and seafood of Liberia will make your holiday absolutely worth it!
Compiled by Sujata Reddy ET120816 

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